FRENCH President Emmanuel Macron announced a strategic shift for France’s military presence in Africa, redefining its Djibouti base as a key ‘projection point’ for regional and international missions. During his visit to the East African nation, Macron outlined the evolving role of France’s military in Africa, emphasising the need to adapt to changing public opinions and geopolitical dynamics. ‘Our role in Africa is evolving because Africa itself is evolving—public opinion is changing, and governments are changing,’ Macron said, highlighting the importance of recalibrating France’s defence policies in the region. Realigning military ties France is actively closing military bases in